Bird protection

[shontm]

We're contemplating upgrading from our C-Dory 25 to a Ranger Tug 29 CB. One challenge we have with the current boat is protecting from birds (or more specifically, their droppings) while moored on a buoy at our place in the San Juans, where the boat will sit for a few days to a few weeks at a time and get absolutely covered without protection. (The rest of the time, it's at Cap Sante Marina where birds are not a problem.) We have a bird sweep on the roof of the current boat, which works okay. But I'm concerned this may become even more challenging with the added surface area of a command bridge, solar panel, etc. Has anyone else had problems with birds and any tips on what protection you've used and how successful that's been?

Another problem we have with the current boat is otters invading the cockpit (hate them!), but I'm hoping the back cockpit door of the tug is high enough to keep those out. Am I right?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[glider4]

In no particular order.
Otters like swim platforms. But if they really want to get into your cockpit they will. Last week we had a small seal who really wanted on the swim platform. We have straps across the swim platform from stern to swim platform rails to discourage that.
For birds we use lots and lots of bird ribbon tape. Put it everywhere. We also put a plastic owl on the bow looking backwards. Nothing stops the birds but we have substantially reduced the bird poop.

 

[Headlee]

We use a bird spider (West Marine, $39.99). It has a sandbag for a base. I positioned it on top of the radome. It has worked well for us. Without it, we had gulls eating lunch on top of the solar panel and making quite a mess.